Benefits and harms of eating raw onions

Despite the high nutritional value of onions, it is preferable to eat them cooked, as eating them raw may lead to a range of annoying damages to the body. "Dalili Medical" reviews in the following report the damages of eating raw onions, according to our website.

**What is onion?**

Onions belong to the genus Allium, which is a flowering plant that also includes garlic and leeks. The medicinal properties of onions have been recognized since ancient times, as they have been used to treat a range of diseases such as headaches, heart disease and mouth ulcers, according to the National Library of Medicine.

There are several types of onions that differ in size, shape, color and flavor, the most famous of which are red, yellow and white onions. The taste of onions ranges from sweet, sharp, hot and pungent, depending on the season in which they grow and are consumed.

Onions contain a range of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that promote health in many ways. China is the largest producer of onions in the world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

**Nutritional value of onions**

Onions are considered a vegetable rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories. Here is the nutritional value of onions:

Onions provide only 44 calories, but they contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are rich in vitamin C, which contributes to:

- Supporting immunity.

- Repairing tissues.

- Collagen production.

- Acting as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Onions are also a rich source of B vitamins, including folic acid and vitamin B6, which play an important role in:

- Metabolism.

- Production of red blood cells.

- Nerve function.

Finally, onions are a good source of potassium, which is necessary for:

- Normal cellular function.

- Fluid balance.

- Transmission of nerve signals.

- Muscle contraction.

**Nutritional elements of onions**

1. **Carbohydrates**

Carbohydrates make up about 10% of the weight of onions, whether raw or cooked, and consist mainly of simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, and fiber.

2. **Fiber**

Onions are a good source of healthy soluble fiber, known as fructans, which represent about 2% of their fresh weight, depending on the type of onion.

Fructans act as prebiotic fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which contributes to promoting colon health and reducing the risk of colon cancer. However, these fibers may cause some annoying digestive symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

3. **Antioxidants**

Many of the health benefits of onions are due to their content of antioxidants and sulfur compounds, the most prominent of which are:

- **Anthocyanin**: A powerful antioxidant that gives onions their red color, and is only found in red or purple onions.

- **Quercetin**: An antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

- **Sulfur compounds**: such as sulfides that play a role in protecting against cancer.

It is worth noting that cooking may reduce the levels of some antioxidants, and red and yellow onions are the richest in antioxidants compared to other types, as yellow onions contain about 11 times more antioxidants than white onions.

4. **Vitamins**

In addition to carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants, onions contain a group of vitamins and minerals, including:

- **Vitamin C**: Essential for immune function and helps maintain healthy skin and hair.

- **Folic acid**: Important for cell growth and metabolism, and is especially essential for pregnant women.

- **Vitamin B6**: Contributes to the formation of red blood cells.

**Does eating onions contribute to blood thinning?**

Onions help reduce the risk of blood clots thanks to their anticoagulant properties. Although this may seem beneficial, caution should be exercised when taking it with blood-thinning medications, as combining them can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

**How ​​much onion does the body need daily?**

It is best to eat moderate amounts of onions daily, by adding them to cooked meals. Despite their many benefits, excessive consumption may cause digestive problems, such as:

- Irritable bowel syndrome.

- Acid reflux.

**Can onions be eaten raw?**

Onions can be eaten in several ways, including:

- Using them raw to add flavor to some dishes.

- Adding candied onions to delicious baked goods.

- Incorporating cooked onions into vegetable and meat dishes.

- Using them as a base for preparing broth and soup.

- Preparing a homemade salad dressing using raw onions with fresh herbs, vinegar, and olive oil.

**Benefits of eating onions**

Onions are rich in antioxidant compounds that contribute to preventing cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and supports heart and bone health.

**Benefits of red onions**

Red onions are considered one of the richest types of onions in antioxidants, as they contain flavonoids and anthocyanins. They are also a rich source of quercetin, which has strong and effective anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition, green onions have antibacterial properties, which helps prevent various types of bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli (E-Coli).

**Benefits of white onions**

White onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, and also help reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels. These properties promote heart health and help lower blood pressure, which helps protect against blood clots.

**Benefits of onion juice**

Onion juice is used in preparing food seasonings, as it adds a distinctive flavor andIncrease the nutritional value, which helps the body resist diseases and maintain bone and heart health.

**Benefits of onion water**

Onion water is used in seasoning some dishes, and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which gives food a unique flavor.

**Benefits of onion peel**

Some people benefit from onion peel by boiling it and using boiling water in some treatments, such as treating mouth and respiratory infections and boosting immunity. However, more studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

**Benefits of onion oil**

Onion oil is rich in sulfur, potassium and antioxidants, which makes it effective in reducing hair loss and promoting its growth. It is commonly used in hair growth stimulating products.

**Benefits of onion**

1. **Reducing cholesterol levels**: Onions help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.

2. **Breaking blood clots**: It contributes to breaking up blood clots, which reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.

3. **Prevention of some types of cancer**: Onions are a rich source of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, as raw onions contain higher concentrations of these substances than cooked onions. The benefits of raw onions in preventing cancer include:

- It contributes to protection against stomach and colon cancer. 

- It works to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the occurrence of mutations in cells. 

- The antioxidants in onions fight the effect of free radicals that may cause cancer.

4. **Improving hair and skin health**: Thanks to the presence of vitamin A and other antioxidants in onions, raw onion juice can have multiple benefits for the skin and hair, such as:

- Reducing skin pigmentation. 

- Protecting the skin from harmful sun rays that cause aging. 

- Preventing dandruff thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Onions are anti-allergic and can help improve breathing in asthma patients. Eating raw onions may also help relieve symptoms of menopause due to their calcium content. In addition, it is beneficial for diabetics because it contains sulfur and quercetin, which enhances insulin secretion. Onions also help regulate blood pressure levels, and nutritional supplements containing quercetin are effective in achieving this benefit.

**Ways to benefit from raw onions:**

After learning about the benefits of raw onions, here are some ways to add them to your daily diet:

- You can add chopped raw onions to salads or sandwiches.

- Prepare a cold soup using raw onions, by mixing them with a group of vegetables in a blender.

- Add raw onions to your favorite dipping sauce, as it will add a delicious flavor and a distinctive crunch.

**Diseases that may worsen when eating onions:**

1. **Irritable bowel syndrome:** Onions contain FODMAP, which are fermentable carbohydrates, which can lead to the accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestines, causing bloating and abdominal pain.

2. **Gastroesophageal reflux:** Patients with gastroesophageal reflux should avoid eating onions, as it causes relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the throat, leading to heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

3. **Onion allergy:** Eating onions may be dangerous for people who are allergic to it, as it contains compounds that cause annoying symptoms such as skin rash, red eyes, and runny nose.

4. **Blood clots:** People who take anticoagulant medications are advised to avoid onions, as it increases blood fluidity, which exposes them to the risk of bleeding.

5- High blood pressure

High blood pressure patients should be careful when eating onions, as it can interact with some medications, leading to a sharp drop in blood pressure.

6- Diabetes

Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar levels after eating onions, as it may lead to a decrease in glucose levels in the body, especially when consumed in large quantities.

**Harms of eating raw onions**

1. **Bloating**

Raw onions negatively affect the health of the digestive system because they contain fructans, a type of carbohydrate that is difficult for the stomach to digest, leading to bloating and increased gas.

2. **Bad breath**

Raw onions contain strong sulfur compounds, which cause an unpleasant odor from the mouth, which cannot be easily eliminated even after brushing the teeth with toothpaste.

3. **Allergy**

In rare cases, raw onions may trigger allergy symptoms in some individuals, such as mild itching, body swelling, and difficulty breathing.

4. **Esophageal reflux**

The compounds found in raw onions relax the lower esophageal sphincter, causing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and throat, resulting in a feeling of heartburn, chest pain, and congestion.

5. **Migraine**

Raw onions can have negative effects on migraine sufferers, due to their high content of tyramine, a compound that may trigger headache attacks.

6. **Interference with blood thinners**

Raw onions are one of the foods that may interfere with blood thinners, due to their anticoagulant compounds, which may negatively affect their effectiveness.

**Cautions and risks of eating raw onions**

Onions are generally safe for most people when eaten in moderate amounts. However, after learning about the benefits of raw onions, it is important to note some of the risks associated with eating them:

- Some individuals are allergic to onions, so if you notice any allergic reaction after eating them, it is advisable to visit a doctor.

- Eating onions can lead to a change in body odor, as the sulfur compounds in them interact with sweat, resulting in an unpleasant odor.

- Onions may cause increased bloating and gasIt is harmful to people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, so it is preferable to reduce the amounts consumed in this case.